Pinewood

Camping with style

Set amongst towering pine trees, Pinewood offers an exciting way to stay at one of the UK’s largest wild animal parks. Open 364 days a year, you can sleep opposite our lions whilst snuggled in your very own cosy camping pod, shepherd’s hut or luxury tent! Stunning views and wild adventures are a whisker away!

Camping Pods

Shepherds Hut

Location

Exclusive Acccess

Entertainment

Eating

Facilities

Camping Pods

There are 13 pods on site, each is heated, has two single beds with comfy mattresses and a double futon. There's plenty of handy storage and bedding is included, so you can travel light.

Shepherds Hut

Perfectly designed to sleep four, the stylish shepherds hut comes with all the creature comforts you could wish for. Enjoy en suite facilities with complimentary Bamford products. With under floor heating, a wood burning stove, sofa and TV, this a home away from home.

Location

Set at the top of the park, you can enjoy spectacular views from the Trojan steps over the Romney Marsh to the sea.

Exclusive Acccess

One of the perks of Pinewood is having access to the Reserve before the general public! See the animals at dawn and dusk at your leisure.

Entertainment

Enjoy our communal games room with pool table and board games, a snooze in the hammock or toast marshmallows on our open fire pit. There's also plenty of entertainment around Port Lympne with hundreds of animals to see and the Dinosaur Forest to explore!

Eating

Enjoy a tasty selection of home cooked meals at the Pinewood Cafe or bring your own food and disposable BBQ for an outdoor feast!

Or enjoy authentic Italian cuisine at the new Babydoll’s Wood Fired Pizza, Set in a beautiful landscaped garden, at the heart of Port Lympne Reserve. The stylish and modern restaurant, was named after the late and much loved gorilla, Babydoll, who at the grand old age of 55, was the last surviving original Howletts gorilla. Open every day from 12pm to 10pm you can relax in the garden, or curl up on the comfy sofas and armchairs on the veranda with a glass of prosecco and a selection of antipasti, before tucking in to a freshly prepared wood fired pizza or pasta dish. We also offer gluten free pizza, alongside a selection of wines, beers and non alcoholic drinks.

Alternatively, book a table at the four star Port Lympne Hotel, just a short walk away down the famous Trojan Steps. Or relax and soak up the wonderful atmosphere of the unique Moroccan Courtyard at Port Lympne Hotel. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and Afternoon tea or a romantic candlelit dinner.

We use the very best seasonal produce from our own vegetable and herb gardens and locally sourced ingredients wherever we can in our restaurants.

Facilities

The Pinewood site has separate showers and W.C. facilities. You’ll have the opportunity to BBQ if you wish to bring your own disposable BBQ and there’s an area for washing up too. An accessible pod is available for overnight guests with accessibility requirements, please enquire at booking stage.

Meet your fellow residents...

Port Lympne Reserve is home to amazing wildlife and incredible views. See over 700 animals and over 88 species at this award winning park. See the lions who live in close proximity to Pinewood, then explore the rest of the Reserve and see gorillas, bears, cheetah, giraffe and many more!

Explore the Reserve

There are plenty of things to do at Port Lympne Reserve. Take a safari to the African and Asian experiences all included free in your short break, visit Dinosaur Forest, meander through the 15 acres of landscaped gardens or unwind at the 4* Port Lympne Hotel restaurant and bar.

Plan Your Stay

Make your stay even more memorable by creating an itinerary of once in a lifetime animal encounters and activities. Whether you prefer relaxing dining experiences with stunning views or getting up close to your favourite animals, there's something for everyone to enjoy! Start planning your stay now.

Don't forget

Our unique short break accommodations can be booked exclusively or in part, subject to availability, as part of your conference or private event.

How to get here

Port Lympne Reserve, Nr. Ashford, Kent, CT21 4LR

Frequently Asked Questions

Below you'll find the most common questions people ask about staying at Pinewood.

Is it a separate entrance to Pinewood Pods from the Park?

No, for satnav the postcode for the Main Park is CT21 4LR. There is a separate compound for Pinewood guests to park at the end of the tarmacked area. The Main entrance is a short walk over the footbridge and then the camping pods are a further two minute walk from the entrance. For further information on access please call us on 01303 234112.

If you would like to make use of the park on the day of arrival please head straight to the Main entrance and show your booking confirmation for access. During your stay access to the park is via the Main entrance only.

What time do we check in?

Check in is 3pm -5pm but if you would like to arrive earlier and explore the Reserve from 9:30am, you are welcome to do so (please leave your luggage in your vehicle until check in). Guests are also welcome to access the park on the day of departure.

What dining options are available on site?

Pinewood Café is situated close to the pods, alternatively we have the Port Lympne Restaurant, Bear Lodge Clubhouse, or Babydoll's Wood Fired Pizza. Please download our restaurant guide or call us on 01303 234 112 for further details.

What food is offered in the Pinewood Café?

A variety of menu choices are served in Pinewood Café alongside a children’s menu.

What are the café opening times?

Pinewood Café opens at 08:00am for breakfast until 09:30am. In the evening the kitchen is open from 6pm - 9pm and the café closes at 10pm. Closing times may vary but please check with your friendly check in host for details. Lunch is served daily at Pinewood Café.

Can we cook at the pods?

Guests wanting the true camping experience are welcome to bring their own disposable barbeque. Each pod also contains a kettle and cups and tea and coffee are provided.

Are there washing-up facilities on site?

Yes, there is a sink provided for washing up utensils - cloths, sponges and washing up liquid are also supplied.

Are towels and bedding supplied?

Bedding and towels are included.

What entertainment is included?

You’ll enjoy FREE entry to Port Lympne Reserve throughout your stay with us. Plus, there are a number of optional activities available to book, including exciting safaris, animal feeds and segway tours. Please book with your host or ranger on Check in day.

Access to the communal games room with pool table and board games is included in your stay.

Are there pods for wheelchair access?

One of our camping pods is adapted for wheelchair access. Please call 01303 234 112 to check availability of this pod.

Are there bathrooms on site?

Yes, there are separate male and female toilets and showers supplied with toilet rolls, hand soap and hand towels. The Shepherds Hut has en suite facilities.

Can we play music in our pods on a portable radio/cd player etc?

Playing music is fine, but please remember that there will be other guests who may not share your taste, noise carries across the site so please don’t be alarmed if we ask you to turn it down.

Is there a power supply in the pod/can we bring hairdryers, hair straighteners, phone/camera chargers, laptops?

There is limited power supply in the pods so we recommend that you check with the staff on arrival but this is 'Camping' after all!

Do we get admission to Howletts included in our stay?

No, for guests wishing to visit Howletts admission is payable at the Main Entrance to Howletts, please call 01227 721286 for prices and further details.

Can we bring candles?

No, we ask that guests do not bring candles into the pods.

Is smoking allowed on the site?

Yes, but please note that smoking is not allowed in the pods, recreation room or on the decking.

Can we bring our own alcohol?

Yes, alcohol may be consumed in your pod and onsite, alternatively the Pinewood Café serves some beers and wines.

Weather

The pods are insulated however during adverse weather they may get a bit chilly, each pod contains a heater, we would advise that if you are staying either very early or late in the season to pack appropriate clothing. We also advise bringing a torch.

Can't find what you're looking for?

If you can't find the answer you are looking for, please contact us on 01303 234112 and we'll be delighted to help!

Accessibility

We have endeavoured to ensure we can consistently deliver an inclusive environment for our guests where possible. Throughout the development of the reserve we have sought to listen to the needs of our customers.